'Fumigation gas' killed stowaways

The gases are often used to kill rodents on voyages

Two stowaways who were found dead on a ship berthed at Alexandra Dock in Hull probably died when their hiding place was fumigated, an inquest has heard.

The decomposing bodies of the Africans were found as the ship's cargo of nuts was unloaded on 5 February last year.

Hull Coroners' Court heard the men had smuggled on board the Danish-owned vessel, the Cecdelta, in Ghana with a teenage boy who survived.

Coroner Geoffrey Saul recorded an open verdict into the cause of their deaths.

Bible and photographs

A 17-year-old boy was found by the ship's crew a few days after the vessel had left West Africa.

He had been hiding in the locker room and was handed to immigration officials when the boat arrived in Britain. Police believe he had no knowledge of the two other men.

An extensive investigation was launched by Humberside Police who attempted to identify the pair.

They had travelled with only a Bible and some photographs.

The court heard that the men, whose ages were never established, would have faced temperatures of up to 50C as the ship left the African coast.

Toxic gases

A post mortem examination failed to establish the exact cause of death because the bodies were badly decomposed.

But pathologist Dr Ian Richmond said it was likely they died after the ship's hold was fumigated and sealed.

The toxic gases, which are used primarily to kill rodents during voyages, could prove fatal to humans, he told the court.

Mr Saul said: "I don't feel the evidence has disclosed how it was that these two unfortunate gentlemen came by their death."